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[ And he will be so impressed with you even if the small animal isn't deserving of a fire blast to its face. it definitely probably won't deserve it. but then again he's run into a Bewear in this woods before, so... ]

Oh!

[ HE ACTUALLY CAME UP WITH A NAME! sampo looks proud... ]

Not my usual style for names, but hey, I'm sure she'll love it!!

Is she a friend of yours???

Not exactly.

[ Even though Moriarty arrived in this world without the other half of M&D in tow, Moriarty's memory of the man's voice is still crystal clear. He can hear his former legal partner's distinctive "Heheh..." as clearly as if he's standing behind Moriarty now—which he isn't, and Moriarty won't fall for the urge to check.

If it wasn't that distinctive chuckle signifying his entry into any given conversation, then he was usually saying something about his most famous work—or his beloved Beatrice. ]

I knew someone who was annoyingly obsessed with a woman named Beatrice.

He was my partner—although obviously, since I arrived here alone, the odds of me seeing him again are rather slim.

I don't know if he'd appreciate me naming a cat creature after his beloved muse, but...

[ Fuck it, it's not like he has any other ideas. ]

Well, he'll never know, will he?

Oh?? Partner, huh?? Sometimes people have their hangups... [ oh this poor guy
is that why he ignored his bisexual joke??? because it's a sore spot?? his partner obsessed with some lady??
he can't imagine how it must feel to be ignored for a lady but then again
sampo could be both so it's not like it really mattered to him. gender was a silly concept. ] But no, you're totally right.

I can't say I know much about the other-worldly travelers, being I'm from this world myself, but. The few I do know have usually come alone.

Even if it hurts... the possibility the fella shows up is pretty--as you might like to say it--mathematically not on your side.

[ He'll reach over and give him a heavy shoulder pat. there there friend it's okay. do you need a hug ]

[ It's a thought he's tried not to dwell on. Not because it'll slow him down—absolutely not. It's not like he misses having that stupid Italian underfoot all the time. Keeping the name and the office intact was more about efficiency, being the most expedient way to present a professional front to the world, and not because he actually ended up liking the business they built together. ]

Oh, believe me, I know. The odds of him following me here are astronomically slim.

Given the timing of my abduction, as well, I wasn't long for the world I left behind. Even if I returned there tomorrow, it's far more likely that I'll run out of mana and disappear for good before finding him out there on that hellish battlefield.

Which leaves the most logical conclusion: I'll never see him again.

[ Then Sampo pats him like he's a grieving widow, and Moriarty simply stares back at him, privately baffled by the offered sympathy. ]

Is my choice of name in poor taste?

[ Is that why he's getting pat? Should he pick a different name instead?? ]

[ Sampo's steps slow down a little as they continue along the little forest path, and he'll--for once--shut up and listen. sampo being silent is a rarity on his own--but hearing the other talk like that--with an expression that seems nonplussed, and even a tone that doesn't sound too upset, but the way he's talking sounds... sad.

If he were in Moriarty's position he'd be sad. Torn from his partner's side moment before your own death; and then being assured you're never going to see that person again...

He reaches up with that hand that was on Mori's shoulder and ruffles his head instead--careful to avoid his lil ahoge. ]

No way. A name like that is a great idea. Like having something to remember him by, you know? Memories are pretty important things, while you can still remember them. You know?

[ he doesn't have many of his own, from his past life. Aha Obfuscates them all. ]

You'll get to live on in this world, so. Isn't it worth it to keep a memory alive too?

[ Moriarty inevitably startles when Sampo ruffles his hair. He's not used to being touched casually, let alone with something like affection, although he doesn't dislike the experience. It's not bad, just new. ]

Well... yes. I suppose so. Beatrice it is, then.

[ Granted, when he tries to imagine Dante's potential reaction to hearing Moriarty named this little cat creature something so ridiculously sentimental, an unfamiliar emotion—embarrassment? mortification?—flutters uncomfortably in his gut.

It's not something a science guy would do. It's undeniably more of a literature guy move, and he'd probably never let Moriarty live it down if he knew. Ugh. ]

[ sampo isn't an emotional guy--he's all jokes and silliness, but there's something he's very good at, and it's noticing things that are extremely subtle. and he's noticed the extremely subtle shift to Moriarty's expression and general emotions here. Whoever Mori's thinking of right now, his emotions about them sure are complicated, huh?

Who knew, Lawyers could actually have emotions... damn. He'll know that for later!! ]

Either you're pretty happy, or you're feeling sheepish. If you wanna' change the subject to avoid being flustered, I can give you an opening, pal.~

[ He absolutely won't thank Sampo for the opportunity, but he will take advantage of the opening he's being offered. ]

You must be mistaken. I'm never flustered about anything.

Ever.

[ SOFT AND SQUISHY EMOTIONS ARE FOR THE WEAK-MINDED, SAMPO, NOT MATHEMATICAL GENIUSES. ]

Anyway! It's only right to let this little creature know I have decided to bestow upon her a name of my choosing.

[ He's gonna try letting her out of the ball. Sampo said he just needs to press the front button, right? Click. ]

Never, right. Gotcha. Can't be flustered or anything when you're a strong and determined law man, right?

[ He looks pleased with himself; and he doesn't come across as sarcastic when he says this--making sure to fix his tone so he sounds matter-of-fact about it instead of teasing. ]

Heyyy, now that's a good idea. Let her out and see if she likes it. I'm sure if she doesn't she'll let you know immediately.

Precisely. My clients depend on my calm and logical mind, you know.

[ Before he can continue that train of thought, however, the Espurr reappears at his side. Not directly clinging to his leg this time, at least, but still standing far closer to him than Sampo. ]

Yes, hello again. I have given the matter more thought, and I have something to say to you.

[ The Espurr in question peers up at him with those intense staring eyes, clearly curious, but there's something undeniably serious, almost dignified, about the way she holds herself. ]

Since you have chosen me as your Master, I shall likewise bestow upon you a True Name to complete this pseudo-contract.

Henceforth, just as I am James Moriarty, you will be known as Beatrice!

[ He points at her when he makes the declaration, for dramatic emphasis.

All the grandiose Master/Servant talk goes completely over her head, obviously, but she's smart enough to realize he's offering her a name.

Rather than immediately respond, the Espurr considers. She closes her eyes, tilting her head in thought. In fact, the silence lasts just long enough that Moriarty begins to sweat, wondering if she's going to reject the name he's chosen.

Then, just as dramatically as he pointed at her, her eyes suddenly snap open.

Beatrice mews, a formal squeak of acceptance as she holds her head high. ]

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